Panel Discussion with Utu ā Matimati Takatāpui Art Collective
Saturday 4 October
1 - 2pm
Toi Pōneke Gallery, Free to attend
Our panel of artists from Utu ā Matimati Takatāpui Art Collective will discuss elements of our kaupapa, inspired by our latest magazine.
Topics of decolonizing mental health and art spaces within this modern world and society, the importance of our existence as takatāpui and how visibility and solidarity are integral to surviving in this political climate.
Panelists include: Kauri Waihoea, Piripi Mackie / Misty Frequency, Story Hemi-Morehouse and facilitated by Taranaki Ah Young-Grace.
Artists Biographies
Kauri Waihoea
Kauri Waihoea [Te Atihau-nui-aa-Paparangi, Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Rangi] is a multi-disciplinary artist. They juggle many creative abilities and passions - from painting to illustration and graphic design.
They also love exploring natural elements such as raranga and stone-carving precious taonga. “Weaving feels like an ancient muscle memory, my hands can make sense of what is happening before I do. It has been a beautiful way to convene with my tūpuna.”
Hands on kai sovereignty, exploring the ngāhere and learning about rongoā are passions of theirs too, always deepening their knowledge to operate from a place of connection and hauora.
Taranaki Ah Young-Grace
Taranaki Ah Young-Grace (aka Naki, fka NahBo/DJ Deeznaks)(they/them) [Ngāti Ruanui, Sāmoa, China, Ireland, Scotland, Germany, France]
Naki is a political haututū, multidisciplinary maker and musician, and aspiring academic. They serve as both a kaiwhakahaere (organiser/admin) and kaitiaki moni (treasurer) for Utu-ā-Matimati.
Previously, they made lo-fi , anti-capitalist, pro-indigenous hip hop under the moniker NahBo, and played bass for Mā & the Fly Hunnies. Having returned to the academy, they are now in the final year of a BA in Māori Studies and Pacific Studies at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, with plans to move on to Honours and then a Master’s, to write about Māori philosophies of space-time and explore the potential of what they call “temporal sovereignty” for Māori in Aotearoa, the peoples of Oceania, and beyond.
They are passionate about learning te reo Māori and exploring decolonial narratives that envision an Oceanic future, free from socioeconomic, structural, or systemic lack for ngā iwi taketake katoa.
Piripi Mackie/ Misty Frequency
Piripi Mackie (ia/they/them) [Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngā Rauru, Kai Tahu, Scotland] professionally known as Misty Frequency is a Takatāpui multidisciplinary artist who merges traditional and contemporary mahi toi to serve as a form of Takatāpui futurism, a koha for their community.
In their own practice and as member of the Takatāpui arts collective Utu Ā Matimati, Misty is drawn to the ideas of inclusion, advocacy and celebration of other Takatāpui; Misty paints an ethereal scene of safety within their work.
Mauri ora!
Story Hemi-Morehouse
Story Hemi-Morehouse (she/her) [Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kuia]
Story is an award-winning māori illustrator. Her unique style and fun use of colour makes for magical story telling for both tamariki and grown ups to enjoy. You might know some titles such as “How My Koro Became a Star” or “Mokopuna Matatini”. She’s also been developing some works into beautiful animated series as a way to share Iwi and Hapu stories with future generations.
He Whare Mahana - A Takatāpui Exhibition
Saturday 20 Sept – 17 Oct
He Whare Mahana - a warm house, a full house, a cosy kainga to nurture your dreams and the infinite queer possibilities. Tātou āhuru mōwai, nau mai, haere mai.
This group exhibition is curated by Utu ā Matimati - takatāpui art collective. The celebration of takatāpui futures, remembers the journey of our tuākana, and reflects on hauora takatāpui. Inspiration is taken from how we, as takatāpui, occupy space. Placing pride in the things we use to adorn our whare because they represent us and the kaupapa we hold in our hearts.
